Discussion, anger and demonstrations over the actions of
Biram Dah Ould Abeid are likely to continue for a long time. He
and six other anti-slavery activists were formally charged at the end
of May with threatening state security after they burned certain
Malikite religious texts that they interpret to endorse slavery.
Biram's actions provoked massive public outcry throughout
Mauritania and far beyond, especially across the Islamic world. Human
rights organisations have mostly come to Biram's defence.
Amnesty International's West Africa Researcher Gaeton Mootoo
said the activists should be released. “These human rights
defenders have the right to express their opinion”, he said.
Mootoo noted that Biram, the leader of one local anti-slavery
group, has been an outspoken critic of human rights in Mauritania. He
said that Biram has long denounced acts of slavery and the impunity
enjoyed by slave owners.
The announcement of the charge prompted a further demonstration
by Biram's supporters, which was broken up by police.
No trial date has yet been set. However, what is certain is
that Biram's case will long be the focus of dispute and demonstration,
with his trial, if it takes place, being the subject of much
international interest.
© 2012 Menas Associates
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